Informed Choices: Substance Abuse Prevention

Rosalinda Estrada

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Informed Choices: Substance Abuse Prevention

Understand the risks of substance use

This lesson focuses on the dangers of substance abuse, the effects on mental and physical health, and strategies for making informed decisions and resisting peer pressure. The importance of making informed choices and understanding the risks of substance experimentation is emphasized. Using multimedia resources and group discussions, students will be better equipped to resist peer pressure and make healthier choices.

Audience

Grade 9 Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand the risks of substance use

Materials

Projector/Screen, Computer with internet access, "Teen Substance Use & Abuse" video link, Discussion Guide, Activity Worksheet, and Exit Ticket

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief introduction about the significance of making informed choices regarding substance use. Explain how substances can affect mental and physical health.
Introduce the learning objectives and outline the session's activities.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Play the video Teen Substance Use & Abuse for the students.
Ask students to note down any immediate thoughts or reactions they have during the video.

Step 3

Group Discussion

15 mins

Initiate a group discussion using the Discussion Guide.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and reactions to the video.
Guide the discussion with questions about the dangers of substance use, peer pressure, and ways to make informed choices.

Step 4

Group Activity

20 mins

Distribute the Activity Worksheet.
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario from the worksheet.
Ask each group to discuss the scenario and come up with strategies for resisting peer pressure and making informed decisions.
Have each group present their strategies to the class.

Step 5

Closure and Exit Ticket

10 mins

Summarize key takeaways from the discussion and activities.
Distribute the Exit Ticket for assessment.
Encourage students to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply it in real-life situations.

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Discussion

Substance Abuse Prevention Discussion

A guide to foster a meaningful discussion on substance use prevention, focusing on the dangers of substance abuse and making informed choices.

What were your initial reactions to the video?

Guide students to share their thoughts and feelings. Prompt them to discuss specific moments that stood out.

Why is it important to know what you're taking before consuming any substance?

Encourage students to reflect on the risks and potential consequences mentioned in the video. Emphasize the importance of informed decision-making.

How can peer pressure influence someone's decision to use substances?

Ask students to provide examples from their own experiences or observations. Discuss strategies to resist peer pressure.

What are some healthier ways to cope with stress and peer pressure?

Encourage the sharing of practical strategies like engaging in hobbies, talking to a trusted adult, or participating in sports.

Worksheet

Substance Abuse Prevention Activity

An activity worksheet with scenarios to help students practice strategies for resisting peer pressure and making informed choices.

Scenario 1: A friend offers you a pill at a party, saying it will help you relax. What should you do? Discuss and list your strategies.

Think about the risks of taking substances without knowing what they are. Consider ways to refuse politely and assertively.

Scenario 2: You are feeling stressed about exams, and a classmate suggests smoking marijuana to help you relax. How do you respond?

Reflect on healthy coping mechanisms and ways to say no to substance use.

Scenario 3: Your friends are drinking alcohol at a gathering and expect you to join them. How can you resist the pressure and still enjoy the gathering?

Consider ways to have fun without drinking and how to handle peer pressure effectively.

Quiz

Substance Abuse Prevention Exit Ticket